Johnny Boy Eriksson is an artist, living and working in Gothenburg, Sweden. He graduated from Gothenburg Art School where he mixed education in sculpture making and artistic concept development. He specializes in installations and space specific art but has done remarkable videos as well. This promising artist has attracted well-earned attention for his work in his homeland.
Why an artist? Could you imagine doing anything else?
Being an artist came naturally to me. Art is an international language, an intuitive understanding between soul and mind. It’s like entering an enchanted world and once you understands the connections within there’s no return. To be able to express through art is my integration with the world.
How would you describe your style?
Monumental sculpturing — I always try to work with very simple, everyday material to create something unique. I’ve used scoth tape to create a physical environment that brings you out of the ordinary world. In my recent exhibition, Devoured, I used stereotypes to portrait different lifestyles and values in our society.
What are your artistic goals?
To always keep my mind open and free to discover the next thing!
If you could be another artist for one day (dead or alive) who would you pick and why?
It would be a mixture between Jeff Koons, Michelle Barcelo, Jackson Pollock and Carl Milles. The energy, the edge, the expression, skills and there we’re getting close to something. Because I’m not one or the other!
Have you ever looked at an artwork and wished that you had made it?
Well I look forward to it!
What has been your most memorable moment as an artist?
The moment I understood how to communicate through art.
What is your advice for someone who would like to turn his/her creativity into reality?
Remember that once you’ve enter there’s no way back! Ha ha, its beautiful, just do it! Surround yourself with people with the same addiction. When you are in the middle of a struggle, remember that tides will turn and it will all become magic again.
You are from Sweden. Does your homeland affect your work? Is it relevant for your career?
Of course. I grew up in Sweden and that has effected me as a person. But when I do art, I don’t see my self as Swedish but I instead try to look at things going on in the world and filter that through my feelings and soul in a way that people hopefully can relate to.
What city is the current center of the artistic world?
Bangatan 10, Gothenburg!